Potted panel latch system

ABSTRACT

A method of preparing and a finished panel and latch combination, wherein the panel and latch mounting combination are seamless and attractive.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a recessed latch system, and more particularlyto a latch system which is fabricated in a fashion that creates aseamless appearance and complements or blends in with the supportingpanel, greatly improving the appearance and sanitation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Latch members for securement for storage in passenger vehicles,including airplanes, have typically been recessed to avoid inadvertentsnags or injuries. Typically, these latch members are pre-fabricated andsimply secured into a pre-prepared opening in the panel. Although thisis economical and functional, it yields a product which is utilitarian,unattractive and creates an environment difficult to clean.

Hardware for use in airplanes in particular needs to be reliable,lightweight and attractive. Because of the economics and environment,these devices must be quickly and easily sanitized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the above-noted background in mind, it is highly desirable toproduce a recessed latch system wherein the latch appears to be anintegral part of the supporting panel.

It is further desirable to provide a recessed latch system wherein theexposed body of the latch and the surface of the panel present a unitaryappearance.

It is still further desirable that a recessed latch and panel befabricated in a manner which is simple and economical, yielding anattractive, seamless product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the recessed latch, its component parts aswell as the supporting panel.

FIG. 2 displays the pre-assembly of the potting cove to the latch body.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate steps in the process

FIG. 6 is an exploded view displaying the decorative sheet about to besecured in places.

FIG. 7 shows the decorative sheet having been vacuumed and secured inposition.

FIG. 8 shows the mechanism about to be inserted into the prepared bodyand panel.

FIG. 9 displays the completed decorative seamless product.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As seen in FIG. 1, which is exploded to expose all parts of theinventive installation, there is a honeycomb panel 2, a base 4, a blank6, a decorative coating or sheet 8 and a latch mechanism 10. Also seenin this view is a latch guide 12 and securement screws 14.

Reference is now had to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, wherein a base 4 and latchguide 12 are potted into a honeycomb panel 2. FIG. 2 depicts a pottingcover 6 attached to the base 4. FIG. 3 shows the base 4 with the pottingcover 6 and the latch guide 12 positioned to be placed into a preparedcavity of the honeycomb panel 2. FIG. 4 is the base 4 with the pottingcover 6 and the latch guide 12 secured into a prepared cavity in panel2; then it is potted in place using an adhesive applicator tube 16.

Reference is now had to FIG. 5, wherein the base 4 is in place and thedecorative coating is about to be placed over the secured base for thepanel 2 and vacuumed into the cavity covering the base 4 and the panel2, as shown in FIG. 6, forming a seamless transition from the surface ofthe panel throughout the base. This results in an attractive, easilycleaned panel and latch member.

As seen in FIG. 7, the latch mechanism then is in place in position andsecured with the screws 14, inserted through the guide 12, resulting ina finished panel and latch combination as seen in FIG. 8, wherein thesmooth transition and the panel throughout the latch base is seamlessand attractive.

Although a preferred embodiment has been disclosed for purposes ofillustration, it should be understood that various changes andmodifications and substitutions could be made in the preferredembodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention, asdefined by the claims which follow:

1. The method of fabricating a decorative latch, comprising: preparing apanel, including defining the location for the latch; potting the bodyof the latch into the panel, forming a recess; placing a sheet ofdecorative material over the panel, including the potted body; applyinga vacuum to the panel, drawing the decorative sheet into the bodyrecess; and preparing appropriate opening, inserting mechanism andfastening;
 2. The method of claim 1, including preparing an opening toreceive the latch body.
 3. A decorative panel comprising: a honeycombpanel, including a recess in the face thereof, and an opening extendingfrom the edge of the panel to intersect the recess; a latch body securedin said recess; a decorative sheet covering the face of the panel andthe latch body; and a latch mechanism secured in the latch bodyoverlying the decorative sheet.